Wilkerson v. State
Wilkerson v. State
Opinion of the Court
Considered in the light of the testimony adduced at the trial, the verdict and judgment in this case are against the weight of evidence; and when, in addition' to this fact, the affidavit of the absent witness, Garrett, in support of the motion for a new trial, is also considered, we are clearly of opinion that the court erred in overruling the said motion.
As shown by the evidence, the defendant’s possession of the alleged stolen animal was by virtue of a bona fide purchase and bill of sale from one Garrett, and if the animal really belonged to Hill, the alleged owner, then Garrett simply made a mistake when he sold her to defendant, believing her to be his own. Garrett, who reached the court after the trial and conviction, swears, in his affidavit supporting the motion for a new trial, to a state of facts which throws the entire blame, if any, upon himself, and wholly and entirely exonerates defendant from any blame whatsoever, much less any criminality in the transaction.
With the record as presented to us, we do not hesitate to say that the verdict and judgment are against the evidence, and the court should have set them aside, and granted a new trial.
The judgment is reversed and the cause remanded.
Reversed and remanded.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Quince Wilkerson v. State
- Cited By
- 7 cases
- Status
- Published
- Syllabus
- Theft—Fact Case—New Trial.—See the statement of the case for evidence held insufficient to support a conviction for cattle theft. And note the opinion and the statement of the case for a showing whereunder the trial court should have awarded a new trial, because the verdict was against the evidence, and in consideration of the showing made in support of the motion for new trial.